SUCCESS AT GERMAN AND SWISS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Last weekend, Radevormwald (NRW) hosted the national highlight of the cyclocross season for the Heizomat cycling team powered by Kloster Kitchen – the German Cyclocross Championships. Under challenging conditions, characterized by snow and ice on the course and sub-zero temperatures, the riders delivered excellent performances. In the men's U23 category, Hannes Degenkolb impressively defended his German championship title, securing it with a dominant start-to-finish victory. Degenkolb showcased a flawless performance, leaving his competitors far behind and triumphantly crossing the finish line. His teammate Fabian Eder completed the successful day by securing second place in this hotly contested category.
In the Elite Women's category, German champion Judith Krahl had a promising start, with the best initial sprint, and had already built up a lead after a few meters, which grew to over 20 seconds after the first lap. Despite a strong performance, Krahl could not defend her championship title; in the third lap, she was caught by former German champion Elisabeth Brandau and ultimately finished a distant second.
In the men's elite race, Lukas Herrmann surprisingly claimed third place. Despite a mechanical issue in the first lap, he showed a spirited chase and held second place for a long time. In a dramatic finish, he had to concede to Alex Bregenzer (RV Viktoria Wombach) in the final meters. Herrmann, who has had a season marked by illnesses, was thus able to deliver a strong performance despite adverse circumstances. First place went to multiple German champion Marcel Meisen (Stevens Racing Team).
Another German championship title went to 16-year-old talent Benedikt Benz in the U19 class. In an exciting race, he prevailed over Max Oertzen (Herrmann Radteam) and Pepe Albrecht (RSV 54 Venusberg). The leading trio formed in the first lap, but Albrecht lost contact in the second lap. In a thrilling duel for the championship title, Benz accelerated in the final lap and secured the title with an eight-second lead.
The Heizomat cycling team powered by Kloster Kitchen also delivered at the Swiss Championships, held concurrently in Switzerland. Timon Rüegg secured his third Elite championship title. In the U23 race, Lars Sommer and Finn Treudler claimed second and third places. After a technical mishap, which saw Lars Sommer having to carry his bike for half a lap to the pit area, he launched an impressive comeback, moving from tenth place to second. Team leader Stefan Herrmann is more than satisfied with the weekend's results.
"Two German championship titles, one Swiss championship title, and all riders on the podium. What more could you ask for," Herrmann rejoices.
The team prepared intensively for the season's highlight by training in the Benelux countries, the mecca of cyclocross, in recent weeks. Before Christmas, the team moved into a specially rented team house in Belgium and from there competed in challenging races in the region, including renowned cross events and UCI races. This intensive preparation served as an ideal foundation for the German Championships.
CONTACT:
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Lydia Bänsch |
Heizomat Website |
